A. Schild (AS) Calibre 1221 Watch Spare Parts: Technical Overview and Sourcing Guide
A. Schild (AS) Calibre 1221 is a vintage Swiss manual-wind mechanical movement recognized for its reliable construction, classic design, and sweeping central seconds function. It is popular among watchmakers and collectors restoring mid-20th century timepieces.
Key Technical Highlights
Calibre: AS 1221
Movement Type: Manual wind, mechanical
Diameter: Approximately 25.6 mm (11.5 lignes)
Height: About 4.02 mm
Jewels: 17 synthetic ruby jewels
Beat Rate: 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph)
Power Reserve: Typically around 34-40 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, sweeping central seconds
Shock Protection: Usually minimal or none, requiring careful handling
Winding Mechanism: Traditional manual yoke system
Special Features: Balanced construction with nickel screw balance and counterclockwise hairspring
Common Spare Parts and Maintenance Components
Mainspring and Barrel: Essential for power transmission; mainsprings often fatigue or break with age and must be replaced with exact fit parts.
Balance Wheel and Balance Staff: Critical parts impacting accuracy; vulnerable to shock damage, requiring original or precisely matched replacements.
Pallet Fork and Escape Wheel: Wear-prone escapement components; sourcing authentic or compatible parts is key for smooth operation.
Gear Train Wheels: Minute, third, and fourth wheels may suffer wear or damage; donor movements or new-old stock (NOS) parts are commonly used.
Stem, Crown, and Setting Mechanism: Wear with use and require precise fitting replacements to ensure reliable winding and time-setting.
Jewels: Ruby bearings reduce friction; replacement jewels must match the specific count and placement for this caliber.
Hands and Dial: Period-correct hands and dials maintain authenticity, often sourced from vintage stocks or specialists.
Sourcing and Service Tips
Donor Movements: Non-working AS 1221 movements are valuable for obtaining rare parts like balance assemblies and wheels.
Original and NOS Parts: It is advisable to procure parts identified explicitly for AS 1221 to guarantee compatibility and maintain movement integrity.
Handling: With minimal shock protection, components especially balance and escapement must be handled gently during servicing.
Lubrication: Use modern synthetic oils sparingly, respecting vintage watch lubrication standards.
Identification: The calibre number is generally stamped on the main plate or under the balance cock for accurate part ordering.
Why AS 1221 Spare Parts Matter
Reliability and Precision: Using authentic parts preserves the notable accuracy and durability of the AS 1221 movement.
Collector Appeal: Correct restoration with original or compatible components maintains both historical value and proper functionality of vintage watches.
Watchmaker Familiarity: AS 1221 is well-known in vintage watch servicing, supporting easier repair and parts sourcing compared to rarer calibers.
The A. Schild AS 1221 stands as a fine example of mid-20th century Swiss manual movements. Access to quality spare parts is essential to keep these mechanical timepieces working reliably and authentically for years to come.